Press Release

[Denver, Colorado – June 12, 2026] — Three mothers whose babies were stillborn near term after “low-risk” pregnancies have published a powerful call to action in the prestigious journal Health Affairs. In the article titled “Will ACOG Finally Step Up to Address the Stillbirth Crisis—or Continue to Stand on the Sidelines?”, Ann O’Neill, PhD, Samantha Banerjee, and Helen Raleigh urge the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) to translate existing evidence into updated clinical guidelines that could prevent up to half of term stillbirths in the United States.

Each year, approximately 21,000 babies are stillborn in the U.S. — roughly 65 every day — with Black families facing nearly double the risk. Research shows that 25% of all stillbirths and up to 47% of term stillbirths are preventable. Yet the U.S. has made little progress compared to countries like the UK and Australia, which have successfully reduced rates through evidence-based practices.

The authors highlight five critical areas for reform:

• Routine fetal movement monitoring education

• Greater flexibility in delivery timing beyond the rigid “39-week rule”

• Race-informed risk stratification to address disparities

• Clear, transparent research criteria and greater patient input in guideline development

• Addressing ACOG’s conflict of interest

  
  

They also call for ACOG to address structural conflicts of interest by creating a standing patient advisory board that includes stillbirth-affected families.

“As mothers who lost our children — Elijah, Alana, and Lucas — to a preventable silence, we know the human cost of inaction,” the authors write. “ACOG has the expertise and authority to lead. What remains is the will to act.”

Support the Documentary The Due Time

The article coincides with ongoing production of The Due Time, an independent documentary film by Helen Raleigh that investigates America’s stillbirth crisis and highlights successful prevention strategies from other countries. The film features interviews with bereaved families, advocates, and experts, aiming to turn private tragedies into public action.

To learn more, watch the trailer, or support The Due Time through donations, visit: www.theduetime.com

Quotes

“Our babies deserved better. The next generation deserves a healthcare system that treats stillbirth prevention as a priority, not an afterthought.” — Ann O’Neill, PhD, Samantha Banerjee, and Helen Raleigh

About the AuthorsAnn O’Neill, PhD, is the founder of Measure the Placenta. Samantha Banerjee is the founder of PUSH for Empowered Pregnancy. Helen Raleigh is the producer and director of The Due Time and a longtime stillbirth prevention advocate.